lone star outdoor news exotic hunting texas annual by Lone Star Outdoor News

SLOW PACE OF SUMMER

Reserve Ranch a great place to relax and hunt an exotic

By Conor Harrison

Lone Star outdoor newS

Reserve Ranch’s Parker Stepan is a busy man.

When he’s not guiding hunters to world-class exotics and wing-shooting adventures on his family’s ranch in South Texas, the former recipient of the Dallas Safari Club Young Hunter of the Year Award and the Safari Club International Young Hunter of the Year Award, has been known to get the ranch ready for some special occasions.

“I haven’t been hunting much lately,” Stepan said while chuckling on a recent phone call. “We had a wedding on the ranch, and I had no idea how much work these things take. We’ve spent two weeks getting the place ready.”

Now that wedding season is coming to an end, Stepan is ready to put hunters on great animals this summer.

Encompassing five square miles of some of the best habitat in South Texas, the Reserve Ranch is bordered by 2.5 miles of one of the best stretches on the Nueces River. Herds of red stag, axis, blackbuck, fallow, and a host of other exotics roam the ranch, and summer is the time when attention turns to axis.

“It’s the best time of year for axis,” he said. “We tend to slow down a little bit each summer, because our focus has been on red stag and quail in the fall, but the axis hunting is tremendous. Each year, we take three to five bucks over 34 inches, and several over 36. We’ve just had really good success with our axis.”

Stepan expects a warm and wet summer and said the ranch had received sporadic rainfall this spring, although more would always be appreciated.

“We’ve had enough moisture that we will be able to hold birds until the fall,” he said. “Every little bit helps. The exotics are doing well.”

Along with the normal Texas exotic lineup, Reserve Ranch also has eland, sika, addax, gemsbok, white-bearded gnu, red and grey lechwe, Nubian ibex, Dama gazelle, Himalayan tahr and Trans-Caspian urial sheep.

Come fall, red stag will be the focus, and Stepan said the ranch holds a number of stag between 350 and 400 inches.

Parker Stepan

PARTICIPANTS NEEDED

EWA Economic Impact Survey an important tool

Old data is useless these days.

The Exotic Wildlife Industry Economic Survey is still live, and Texas outdoorsmen’s input is critical.

This study, conducted by Texas A&M University’s Department of Agricultural Economics in partnership with EWA, will provide updated, researchbacked data that reflects the true scope and impact of our industry today.

The last comprehensive study was conducted in 2007, documenting $1.3 billion in economic activity and more than 14,000 jobs, primarily in rural communities, since then, our industry has grown substantially, and updated data is essential.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete, and every response makes a difference. You do not need to answer every question, please provide what you can. We also encourage you to share the survey with others in the industry, including non-members, to ensure the most accurate and complete results possible.

This data is essential as the EWA approach important policy discussions, address emerging issues like the potential return of the New World Screwworm, and prepare for the 2027 legislative session. Decision makers depend on credible economic impact figures when shaping policy, and right now, the only data available is 19 years old. Without updated information, the true value and impact of our industry cannot be fully demonstrated where it matters most.

Your participation is vital. Every completed survey strengthens the collective voice and helps ensure the exotic wildlife industry is represented with credible facts that carry weight where it matters most.

Go to myewa.org for more information.

—Staff report

Glen Dene Hunting A True Connection to Place

At Glen Dene Hunting & Fishing, every trip is about more than the hunt, it’s about a true connection to the surroundings. In between Lake Hāwea and Lake Wānaka, the landscape isn’t just scenery; it’s the heart of the experience. Immense high-country basins, rugged ridgelines, and clear South Island lakes pull you into a slower, older rhythm where the outside world doesn’t exist.

That connection deepens through the way you hunt. Glen Dene is proud of real, fair-chase hunting across vast private country, guided by locals who know these mountains intimately. Whether you’re tracking red stag, fallow buck, tahr, chamois or goats, the pursuit is earned step by step by reading the wind, moving with the terrain, and matching skills against wild country.

And just as memorable is the connection to people. As a family-run lodge, Glen Dene wraps each day in genuine Kiwi hospitality — tailored hunts, warm fireside stories, and meals built around local produce and hard-won venison. Add worldclass trout and salmon fishing to the mix, plus options for families and non-hunters, and you leave with something bigger than a trophy: a lived bond with this corner of New Zealand.

GLEN DENE

☎ +64 27 226 0983

✉

BOOKINGS@GLENDENEHUNTING.COM

GLENDENEHUNTING.COM

Pantera eX 640: The only thermal you’ll ever need

There’s something different about hunting at night. The world slows down. Sounds carry farther. Every movement matters. In those moments, you need equipment you trust without thinking about it.

The Pantera eX 640 was built for that kind of confidence.

From wide scanning to precise shot placement, it handles the entire process without compromise. With NETD sensitivity at or below 14 millikelvins, it picks up subtle temperature differences that other optics can miss. Heat stands out cleanly from the background. Animals separate clearly from brush and terrain. You spend less time guessing and more time making decisions.

The viewing experience feels natural and sharp. The upgraded 2560 by 2560 circular display creates a crisp, immersive image that feels closer to traditional glass than a digital screen. Integrated directly into the lens is a 1,000-meter laser rangefinder, giving you accurate distance without adding bulk or disrupting the scope’s classic profile.

In real hunting situations, small design details matter. The side focus knob lets you fine tune quickly while staying steady behind the rifle. Larger concave buttons follow the natural shape of your fingers and remain easy to use with gloves on. Power is handled by a dual battery system with a built in 21700 and a removable 18650, so long nights are not a concern and quick swaps are simple.

The image adapts to the environment. Six thermal color palettes let you choose what your eyes prefer. Three scene modes help optimize clarity whether you are in open country, timber, rain, or near developed areas. Multiple reticle shapes and color options allow you to set it up the way you like to shoot.

It is built to handle real use. The aluminum alloy housing is lightweight yet durable and rated IP67 for weather resistance. The magnetic lens cap stays quiet. Recoil activated recording captures the moment automatically and built in Wi-Fi makes it easy to view footage on your phone.

The Pantera eX 640 is not just another thermal optic. It is a tool designed to work when conditions are tough and the stakes are high.

Dear Air Silencers

Dead Air Silencers, manufacturer of the next evolution in quiet, purpose-built suppressors, is once again pushing the boundaries of suppressor technology and innovation with the release of the new Nomad Ti OTB suppressor. The Nomad Ti OTB is a solution-driven variant of the company’s popular Nomad series huntinggrade suppressors that takes on-the-move field performance to a new level.

Rated for cartridge calibers up to .300 RUM and 7mm Backcountry, the new Nomad Ti OTB derives its name from its ingenious over-the-barrel configuration. Rather than positioning the blast chamber fully forward of the muzzle, as with conventional suppressor designs, the Nomad Ti OTB expands the blast chamber over the barrel which results in less backpressure and better sound suppression.

There are a couple of key advantages to this expanded blast chamber.

First, this configuration means that the suppressor adds only 4.6 inches to the overall length of the rifle assembly.

Reduced length translates to improved rifle maneuverability in tight quarters and in conditions with limited range of motion.

Second, shifting the weight bias back toward the shooter improves rifle balance and reduces fatigue when making off-hand shots or when mounted to the gun during long field positions.

The Nomad Ti OTB is built through an additive manufacturing process (3D printing) using 6Al4V Grade 9 Titanium, which accounts for the unit’s superior strength, light weight, and advanced gas management system for optimal sound suppression. It is also machined to accept Dead Air’s Xeno Radial Brake — a muzzle device made of 17-4 stainless steel and featuring a 5/8-24 thread pattern. This makes installation onto barrels up to 1-inch in diameter simple and repeatable to reduce point-of-impact shifts.

Adding just 4.6" to barrel length, the Nomad Ti OTB advances over-the-barrel suppressor innovation. Delivering the recoil reduction and sound suppression of a longer system, it maintains optimal balance and keeps the rifle compact for fast handling and confident control in the field.

Products

Beretta Titan

Beretta is proud to unveil the first one-off creation celebrating its 500-year anniversary: the Beretta Titan in 6.5 Grendel. A visionary modern sporting rifle, the Titan embodies several true firsts for Beretta and introduces unexplored solutions within the firearms industry, both from an aesthetic and a technical perspective.

Carlo Ferlito, CEO & general manager of Fabbrica d'Armi Pietro Beretta S.p.A., has declared: "In recent years a new innovative category of firearms has gained space in the international arena: the modern sporting rifles. This new category takes inspiration from the tactical world, translating accuracy and performances in contemporary design and ergonomics. Beretta now launches its interpretation of this exciting category.

Inspired by functional genetics and aeronautical-grade materials, the Beretta Titan is born to be a natural extension of the user and pushes to new limits its features of modularity, versatility, and accuracy. For the first time Beretta conceives a product that combines stateof-the-art materials like magnesium, titanium, and carbon fiber, in a synthesis of performance, elegance and manufacturing excellence."

BuckEye Cam X80 BT LITE Camera

The X80 BT LITE Camera is a proven solution that combines cutting-edge technology, rugged durability, and unmatched convenience, making it ideal for quick deployment and continuous monitoring in any setting. Great for researchers, ranches, airports, farming operations, perimeter surveillance, hunting leases and more.

To the eye, you won’t notice a difference between the X80 BT LITE and the original X80 BT model. The differences lie in the software features that you will use the most. Packed with features, the X80 BT LITE Camera is engineered for clarity day and night. It’s equipped with a high-performance single lens along with an IR cut filter, that delivers vibrant photos and videos—no matter the lighting conditions.

The durable injection-molded enclosure, Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in repeater provide both reliability and ease of use for comprehensive monitoring.

Outback Feeders Half Back Protein Feeder

Choose from three models — all available in three sizes: 400-, 600- and 1000-pound capacities. The Half-Back Gravity Flow model is the shortest of the series. The Half-Back Gravity Flow XT is six inches taller, allowing for more antler clearance. The Half-Back Regulator lets you control how much feed is dispensed at your specified times. The dispensed feed is still maintained inside the feeder and not dumped into an open trough. The same Outback quality and durability at a much lower cost.

Record Rack Antlers Plus Deer and Exotics

Designed to be fed to white tail deer and a variety of exotic species as a supplement to their natural forage and habitat. Feed to deer and exotic species as a supplement to their natural diet when limited browse and forbs are available.

Nutrients Level

Crude Protein 20%

Crude Fat 3%

Crude Fiber 20%

Calcium 1.6% - 1.8%

Phosphorus 0.6%

Salt 0.4% - 0.8%

Zinc 80 ppm

Texas Hunter Products Hide-A-Way Camo Blind

It's Texas Hunter's Hide-A-Way Camo

Hunting Blinds featuring TrueTimber Camo, where almost real isn't real enough. Key features include TrueTimber camo aluminum exterior. The walls and ceiling are fully carpeted for your comfort and warmth.

Provides added insulation with sound and scent barrier. Roomy and spacious 5- by 7-foot interior. Flip-open Hide-AWay windows with concealment panels designed to bypass each other and slide silently in a dual track. It's the most effective window system ever designed for hunting blinds. This blind features a combination of rifle and bow windows, shooters shelf with accessories included, and powder-coated 7-inch ground legs included.

Vitamin A 10,000 IU/lb

Vitamin E 20 IU/lb

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW

By Conor Harrison Lone Star outdoor newS

One of the coolest things about hunting the Texas Hill Country on a low-fence ranch, is you just don’t know what will step out at any given moment.

One second you are hunting a white-tailed doe for camp meat, and the next thing you know a 400-pound red stag could step out and the game completely changes.

One such memorable hunt was in Kerr County about 25 years ago. I was new to Texas, and not quite aware of just what roamed the cedar-choked draws and limestone canyons that dotted the small ranch I was hunting north of Kerrville. Bow in hand, I made my way to the ground blind set up 20 yards downwind of a feeder, with a steep slope behind dropping down into several hundred yards of almost impenetrable cedar and scrub oak.

The afternoon started off like most, with a few does and yearling whitetails coming to the feeder within minutes of corn being thrown. I was there looking for several mature bucks that I knew were around the area. Although not big by South Texas standards, these Hill Country deer were numerous and fun to chase with a bow.

Several young bucks filtered in, followed by several axis does.

“Those are pretty neat,” I thought as the axis pushed the native deer around the feeder. I had never hunted axis at the time, but thought their spotted patterns looked beautiful in the late afternoon sun.

I hadn’t spoken with the ranch owner about shooting anything other than a whitetail, so I sat back and enjoyed the show as more deer filtered in.

As dark approached, I began to expect one of the older bucks to make an appearance. I soon heard the tell-tale sound of hooves clicking rocks as I anticipated a big buck stepping out into the clearing. What I got was one of the biggest, darkest animals I had ever seen appearing before me. I knew what a red stag was. This was not a red stag.

Nor was it an elk. It had smaller antlers that looked stag-ish, but I had no idea what I was looking at. The animal fed for a few minutes, well within bow range, but I just marveled at this big-bodied creature in front of me.

No white-tailed bucks were going to come in with that big animal there, so I watched until he fed off at dark back down the hill from where he came.

As I spoke to the ranch owner later that evening describing what I saw, he exclaimed, “That’s the big sika we’ve been trying to kill for years! Why didn’t you shoot him? They are great to eat.”

I could only shake my head and laugh. My freezer and my wall missed out on a golden opportunity, but that is what hunting in the Hill Country is all about. You just never know what might step out.